Hyundai jumped four points in U.S. customer retention – and from third place in 2010 to first place last year, according to JD Power and Associates’ Customer Retention Study. The Korean automaker retained 64 percent of its previous customers. The Sonata and Elantra are largely credited for Hyundai’s increased retention rate.

“Hyundai’s increased retention rate is shaped by its expanding model lineup, as well as the fact that perceptions of the brand’s quality and appeal have continued to improve during the past decade,” said Raffi Festekjian, director of automotive product research at J.D. Power and Associates, in a press release.Ford and Honda, which tied for the top spot in 2010 with 62 percent customer retention, slipped to a second-place tie in 2011, with 60 percent customer retention. Jeep had the highest gain in customer improvement, jumping 17 percent to 51. BMW, Kia, Toyota, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Cadillac round out the top.

The study also found that 19 of the 33 brands ranked had improved customer retention rates compared to 2010, the other 14 declined. Overall the average customer retention rate for the U.S. market was up one percent to 49. Saab (7 percent), Suzuki (20 percent), and Dodge (21 percent) were at the bottom of the list. Suzuki had the highest decline – seven percent – in the study.One-third of new car buyers who changed makes said their previous brand didn’t make the type of vehicle they wanted, according to the study. Other reasons consumers gave for switching brands included “dissatisfaction with the previous vehicle, including the vehicle costs too much to own or maintain; there are too many problems with the vehicle; and the vehicle didn’t retain sufficient resale value.”

“Many automotive brands are expanding their array of models in an attempt to capture more buyers, but this isn’t enough in and of itself,” said Festekjian. “Manufacturers need to integrate specific attributes and features that delight vehicle owners to maximize their opportunity to both retain customers and conquest from other brands. Manufacturers also need to ensure owners are satisfied with the quality, residual values and ownership costs of their vehicles.”The JD Power study also found that women and younger buyers (ages 23 to 47) were less likely to buy or lease the same make as men and older buyers (48 years old and older). But, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz did well retaining women buyers and Ford, Kia, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz did well retaining younger buyers.“Women and younger vehicle owners are more likely to experience changes in their life circumstances, including growth in household size or changes in income levels, that would lead them to purchase vehicles that better accommodate their new lifestyle,” said Festekjian.Customer retention is defined as consumers who previously bought or leased a new car and replaced it with another new car from the same brand.Source: JD Power, Automotive News

derpdiggler must be God, as he seems to know everything from the fact that professionals using driving experience, research data and statistics don't know what they are talking about. I take it he's done lengthy research and, therefore, knows everything. He (assuming he's male) sounds like a sick, frustrated, unhappy and very angry, aggressive individual. Hyundai autos of the past few years are excellent vehicles.

So you're saying they managed to keep the least educated buyers statically... Both of which are usually not the most research heavy buyers. Am i saying all of them?? NO. Hell i am 26(for example). The question also begs to be asked if they are even shopping the whole segment or even half?

The Suzuki Forenza and Reno think are to blame for the low Suzuki scores. They sold a boatload of those but they were crap and the SX4 doesn't do enough to keep those buyers in the Suzuki family.
And honestly, what the hell is Suzuki thinking by not really investing in this market? Its like they arent even trying to make strides here like they are in other places...

Jeep is certainly no surprise, particularly for the Wrangler. With its super-high resale value, the new 285 hp Pentastar, and an excellent made-in-Germany Mercedes transmission, I was sold on the Wrangler. I bought the 4 door, though I know the 2 door is quicker, lighter, better mpg, more agile, and cheaper, but the 4 door is an excellent daily driver, loads of passenger/cargo room, and still a great offroader.